Zeke's POVI watched as Tyris giggled and babbled excitedly about her toys, I couldn't help but smile. Her joy was infectious, filling the room with warmth and laughter.Zane and Fletcher were easy going with Kamille and her friends. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. Moments like these make me realize how far I've come.Growing up as an only child, I often felt isolated and lonely. My parents' strict upbringing left little room for friendships, and I struggled to connect with others. But now, surrounded by their happy laughter and chatter, I feel a sense of belonging that I have always longed for my entire life.For the first time, I felt like I've found my place in this world, like I'm part of something greater than myself. At that moment, surrounded by so much love, I felt complete.I turned just in time to notice Zane's lingering gaze on Belle. She was engaged to be married. Whatever Zane's plans were, he would have to suspend it or kill it.She was off-limits, and I woul
Kamille's POV As Zeke left, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. I was happy everything was going well. Except for Belle's sullen attitude.Turning to Belle, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. “Are you really okay?” I asked, my voice filled with concern.Belle met my gaze with a reassuring smile. “Yeah, I'm fine.” She replied, though there was a hint of weariness in her eyes.With a nod of acceptance, I chose not to press further. Belle was strong and capable, and I trusted that she would confide in me if she needed to.“How bout I drop the kids off in school, while you stay here with Royer?” She suggested.I felt a surge of gratitude. It was a small gesture, but it meant the world to me. “Thank you so much Belle. Zeke had some security ready to follow them to school, but with you there I'm most grateful.” I smiled.“It's alright Kamille.” She smiled back. I turned towards the kids. “Time for school guys.” I said hoping to get excited squ
Ellen's POV As I sat in the car, I remained lost in my own thoughts. My mind was still consumed with thoughts of what Liz had said.Was Liz truly losing her mind, fractured by the turnout of events? I couldn't deny the chill that ran down my spine at the thought, the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end as I considered the possibility of Kamille's vengeful spirit lurking in the shadows, biding its time until it could exact its revenge upon us.But no such things exist. Kamille's spirit was dead with her and there is nothing that could be done to change that. I turned to Ava who had positioned herself at the extreme corner, away from me.“Why are you there?” I asked, my tone unconvincingly calm and gentle.“Uhhh…. Nothing Ma'am.” Ava stuttered as she repositioned her glasses to suit her eyes better.“Good.” I replied. Suddenly the ringing of my phone startled me.Ava, my assistant hesitated for a moment, clearly taken aback by the tense atmosphere in the car, before tentativel
Kamille's POVGlancing at the clock, I realized that time was running late, and I needed to prepare the promised cookies for the kids before they returned from school. But who to look after Royer was my concern. Belle was not yet back, Zeke too had not appeared since he left with his friends. I felt an urge to call Zeke tug at me. He may say he's busy. I reasoned, and I didn't want to burden him with unnecessary concerns.Instead, I reached for my phone and dialed Belle's number. “Hello bestie.” I greeted warmly as she answered the phone. “I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but please I could use a bit of help.”“Hello Kam. It's fine.” She replied. “What do you need?” She asked.“I'll send it to you. Just a couple of items I'll need for the cookies.” I replied.“Alright Kam. I'll be there soon.” She replied warmly.“Thank you so much, Belle.” I expressed, genuine appreciation coloring my voice. “I really appreciate your help.”“It's no problem at all Kam.” Belle reassured me, he
Zeke's POV I watched as Kamille took the cookies out of the oven and waited for a few more seconds before turning to face me. But even as she turned her eyes were everywhere but on me.“I will be going then. I just wanted to see you and be sure you are good.” I said, my eyes not leaving her as I watched her every movement.“Okay, Zeke.” She replied, raising her head to me but still avoiding my eyes.I walked out of the kitchen. The tension that clung to the air was suffocating, so I adjusted my necktie to give me a little breathing space.As I walked outside, my mind twirled as it replayed the last few hours since I arrived at the penthouse. Fuck! What was I thinking?Was I too forward? Was she still angry with me? Or was it the damn oven that chimed at the wrong time? I tried to make sense of what could have gone wrong. But I was definitely sure that she felt the same way I did. She kissed me back, she grabbed my hair, and she felt it too. Arriving outside, I heard the door slam s
Ellen's POV I sat in my room with an open bottle of pinot noir as I let the events of the past few days swirl through my mind like a wind of chaos. Liz and Gabriel were both taken in on charges of physical abuse. The similarities between their situations were too striking to ignore. Both pieces of evidence released against them had Kamille at its center.If Kamille was dead, then who the hell was scheming on her behalf. I began going back memory lane to recall if she had any close friends from high school but none was forthcoming. I had made sure of that anyway. What about college? Did she have any friends then? After college, before and after her marriage to Zeke did she make any friends I did not know about? But try as I might, I couldn't recall a single name. Kamille had been meticulous about keeping her distance from others. She had avoided people like a plague.Fuck! I cursed inwardly and with a frustrated groan, I reached for the glass of wine on my bedside table and took a s
Kamille's POV Going back into the hospital, I placed my hands gently over my chest and felt it beat heavily. I paused before opening the door to the ward and took a deep breath. I had put on a show in front of Zeke but in earnest, I was still caught up in the heat and tension of what happened in his kitchen. Just the mere thought of it made heat creep up my neck.I stepped into the room after standing outside for a while, hoping my emotions were not so bare to the naked eye. But Belle's sharp eyes caught my flushed cheeks the moment she set her eyes on me. “Hey, Kam.” She greeted me. I noticed her gaze was lingering longer than it should. Her brows furrowed slightly as she took in my nearly disheveled appearance. “You look like you've seen a ghost. What's going on?”I forced a smile on and tried to brush off her questions. .“Nothing Belle. I slept off while the cookies baked in the oven.”“Hmm, I see,” Belle replied, clearly not buying into my lie. But Belle wasn't buying it. “Hmm,
Ellen's POV After Max's message, I knew father was the best person to inform about the kids. But if those kids belong to Zeke, then could that lady from the photo be their mother? Why keep them at his penthouse instead of the mansion? Tired of staying indoors, I decided to make a trip to the salon. At least over there I would be able to worry less because of the gossip I would gladly partake in.I rose from the bed and entered the restroom to freshen up. Stepping out of the restroom, I began to get dressed. I opted for a casual yet stylish outfit. I chose a pair of snug black jeans that accentuated my curves, paired with a breezy white linen blouse. I slipped into a pair of crisp white sneakers. I adorned myself with a delicate gold pendant necklace and let my hair fall loosely around my shoulders.After a final check in the mirror to ensure everything was just right, I grabbed my car keys and headed out the door. After a few minutes on the road, I arrived at the salon. I parked at